Manuel Rosales
![]() | This article needs to beupdated.(February 2022) |
Manuel Rosales | |
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34thGovernor of Zulia | |
Assumed office 10 December 2021 | |
Preceded by | Omar Prieto |
In office 2 February 2000 – 23 November 2008 | |
Preceded by | Germán Valero |
Succeeded by | Pablo Pérez Álvarez |
55thMayor of Maracaibo | |
In office 1 December 2008 – 24 April 2009 | |
Preceded by | Gian Carlo Di Martino |
Succeeded by | Daniel Ponne (interim) |
53rdMayor of Maracaibo | |
In office 1996–2000 | |
Preceded by | Fernando Chumaceiro |
Succeeded by | Gian Carlo Di Martino |
Personal details | |
Born | Santa Bárbara del Zulia,Zulia State,Venezuela | 12 December 1952
Political party | Un Nuevo Tiempo |
Spouse | Eveling Trejo de Rosales |
Profession | Politician/Teacher |
Manuel Antonio Rosales Guerrero(born 12 December 1952, inSanta Bárbara del Zulia)[1]is aVenezuelaneducator and politician, current governor ofZulia.He was the most prominentVenezuelan oppositioncandidate in the2006 presidential election,[2]losing to incumbentHugo Chávez.He served as a congressman, mayor, and governor, but in April 2009, stepped down as Mayor ofMaracaibowhen he was charged with corruption in Venezuela and fled toPeru.Rosales denies the charges, and was grantedpolitical asylumin Peru.[2]He was the presidential candidate forUn Nuevo Tiempoin the2024 Venezuelan presidential election.
Early political career
[edit]Rosales began his political career as a youth leader of the political party,Acción Democrática(AD), described by the BBC as "one of the two parties that dominated Venezuelan politics for most of the second half of the 20th Century".[2]In 2000[3]he founded "his own centre-left party which he called Un Nuevo Tiempo" (A New Era); he describes "himself as a social democrat".[2]
Rosales served as a congressman in theZuliaLegislative Assembly (1983–1994), Mayor of Maracaibo (1996–2000)—Venezuela's second-largest city, in Zulia, Venezuela's wealthiest state[2]—andGovernor of Zuliafor two terms (2000–2004 and 2004–2008).[1]
Rosales was accused of participating in the 2002 "attempt to oust the president";[2]according to the BBC, "government supporters accuse him of taking part in a short-lived coup...".[4]Rosales signed theCarmona Decree[5]—a document drawn up on the day following theVenezuelan coup attempt of 2002,which saw the temporary removal of President Chávez. He declared that he signed during a "moment of confusion" after "Chavez's resignation, although [Chavez] later denied [the resignation]", and that he signed his attendance at a meeting he was urgently requested to attend.[6]
2006 presidential bid
[edit]Rosales was defeated by Chavez in the December 2006 Venezuelan election to choose a president for the six-year term beginning in January 2007. A primary election organized bySumatehad been scheduled for August 2006, but was cancelled when other presidential opposition candidates agreed to withdraw from the race and support Rosales. As "one of only two governors" opposed to Chavez, Rosales united the opposition,[5]representing a broad coalition of parties and organizations opposed to Hugo Chávez.[7][8]According to the BBC, "critics... describe him as uncharismatic".[5]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Manuel_rosales.jpg/200px-Manuel_rosales.jpg)
Rosales' platform was based on what he called "democracy and social justice" and crime; according to the BBC, "He has accused Mr Chavez of wasting the country's oil wealth on friendly governments abroad and of trying to introduce Cuban-style communism."[5]Rosales said that the backbone of his government program would be the social arena, saying it would be a "sound and well defined" program, including a "fair allocation of oil revenues by means of two axes – minimum wage for all unemployed and direct contribution to the underprivileged".[9]He stated that Chávez was vulnerable on his "massive foreign aid programs, government-approved takeovers of land and buildings, and the perception that crime is increasing". Rosales said, "We will distribute land to the peasants, but we will buy it in such a way as to respect the principle of private property, just as we will respect those of human rights and social justice." His platform would halt oil giveaways, "including sales of discounted oil to Cuba, until Venezuela reduced its high poverty rate."[8]
Rosales accused Chávez of "overspending on a military buildup" and pledged "to use Venezuela's oil wealth to help the poor and improve education and health care", ridiculing Chávez's "claims of a possible war with the U.S." and saying, "Venezuela's real war should be against rampant street crime."[10]The New York Timessaid, "Rosales has focused on other themes, including fierce criticism of the alliances Mr. Chávez has made with countries on the fringes of American influence, like Iran and Cuba. But his campaign's predominant message is that Mr. Chávez, despite his socialist talk, has failed to deliver oil wealth to the poor."[11]TheNew York Timesalso said Rosales "has been pounding the crime issue, questioning why murders have surged since Mr. Chávez entered office", and saying Chavez's "confrontational style" was "feeding the crime epidemic".[12]
Incumbent president Hugo Chávez was re-elected with 62.87% of the vote.[13]
Indictments
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/MR_en_avion.jpg/220px-MR_en_avion.jpg)
Rosales was re-elected Mayor of Maracaibo in the 2008Venezuelan regional elections;according to the BBC, in "the campaign, Mr Chavez railed against him, threatening him with prison and accusing him of corruption and plotting to assassinate him".[2]According toUSA Today,Rosales characterized the allegations as an "electoral ploy to distract Venezuelans from pressing problems such as double-digit inflation and rampant crime".[14]
Rosales was charged by the Venezuelan Attorney General with corruption in late 2008, accused of "misusing public funds" during his term as Governor of Zulia—charges which he denies.[15]Prosecutors say he obtained $60,000 illicitly while he was governor.[16]According to Rosales, a 2002–2004 investigation that "was closed for lack of evidence" was "'suddenly reopened by orders from above,' alluding to Chavez".[17]
Rosales went into hiding in March 2009 when charges were filed,[16]and failed to appear in court in April.[18]On 22 April it was reported that he had sought political asylum in Peru.Interpolissued a "red notice"(requesting international cooperation in the apprehension of a suspect, with a view to enabling extradition proceedings) at Venezuela's request.[16]
According to CNN, "[o]ne of Rosales' lawyers noted that Chavez said publicly in October 2008, before Rosales was charged, that he wanted the mayor in prison."[14][18][19]Rosales' supporters characterized the charges as a "political witch hunt".[4]According to the BBC, "His decision to leave Venezuela is the latest development in a long-running feud with Mr Chavez."[2]Venezuelan authorities deny that the charges are politically motivated.[16]
On 28 April 2009, Venezuela withdrew its ambassador to Lima in response to Peru's decision to grant Rosales political asylum. Peruvian officials said the decision was part of their "long-standing commitment to international law"; Venezuelan officials called it a "mockery of international law, a strong blow to the fight against corruption and an offence to the people of Venezuela", saying that Rosales should have been detained and extradited.[4]
The newspaperEl Nuevo Heraldreported in 2009 about allegations by Geovanny Velásquez Zambrano, a member of the Colombian paramilitary groupAutodefensas Unidas de Colombiaserving a 40-year prison term for paramilitary massacres, that Rosales met with Colombian paramilitaries in 1999 to plot the assassination of Chávez.[20]Zambrano claims that he attended two meetings with Morales, in which Morales offered him and his subordinates US$25 million to kill Chávez.[20]Rosales denies these allegations, saying they are a lie and that his passport documents that he was in Aruba during the time of the alleged meetings, saying "The only plan in which I have been involved to 'do away with' Chavez has been the electoral plan".[21]Venezuela's Attorney General announced an investigation of these allegations in October 2009.[21]
The 2009Human Rights Watchreport mentions Rosales as an example of political persecution,[22][23]questioning the judicial procedures against him.[24]
In October 2015, Rosales announced that he would be returning to Venezuela.[25]Attorney GeneralLuisa Ortega Diazreported that a warrant had been issued for Rosale's arrest, upon his arriving in the country.[26]
On 15 October 2015, Rosales was arrested inMaracaiboafter arriving fromArubaand was sentenced to 13 years and 9 months in prison soon after.[27][28]
In October 2016, Rosales' sentence was commuted to house arrest and he was released 2 months later on 31 December.[29]
2024 presidential bid
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Manuel_Rosales_2024.png/220px-Manuel_Rosales_2024.png)
Rosales launched a surprise bid for president in 2024, though he indicated he would willingly cede his position to a unity opposition candidate.[30]He has been recognized as a more moderate opposition candidate and has been negotiable with theNicolás Madurogovernment; he recognized Maduro's contested 2018 election and condemned sanctions on Venezuela enacted by the United States.[31]Professor David Smilde ofTulane Universitysaid that the Maduro government believes that if Morales were to win the election, he would be more amicable, with Smilde stating "They see him with good reason as more moderate and less vendetta-driven."[31][undue weight?–discuss]Corina Yoris,who wasMaría Corina Machado's alternative candidate for the 2024 election, criticized Rosales' candidacy as "a betrayal" and argued that elections did not exist "if the regime chooses the candidates."[31]
On 20 April, Rosales suspended his candidacy and endorsedEdmundo González Urrutia.[32]
Personal life
[edit]Rosales was a teacher before moving into public service.[2]He was a co-founder ofUniversidad Nacional Experimental Sur del Lago,and received numerous distinctions and honors for his public service.[1]
He is married to Eveling Trejo de Rosales; they have ten children (Hender Manuel, Jenny, Manuel Alejandro, Marenel, Marebeth, Carlos Manuel, Manuel Andrés, Alejandra, and Aleida).[1][33]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^abcd"Curriculum del gobernador"(in Spanish). Zulia State Government. 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 17 January 2007.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^abcdefghi"Profile: Manuel Rosales".BBC. 22 April 2009.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^"Contest for Venezuelan Presidency begins".El Universal(in Spanish). 1 August 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 1 December 2008.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^abc"Venezuela recalls envoy in Peru".BBC News. 28 April 2009.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^abcd"Q&A: Venezuela votes".BBC. 1 December 2006.Retrieved2 February2010.
- ^"A juicio de Manuel Rosales, la democracia venezolana 'está enferma'"(in Spanish).Globovisión.30 August 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 20 May 2011.Retrieved1 January2010.
En sus declaraciones, Rosales se defendió de quienes le acusan de haber participado en el golpe que depuso a Chávez brevemente del poder, en abril de 2002. 'Fue un momento de confusión, que nació a partir de la renuncia de Chávez, pese a que después la negó', dijo Rosales. 'Estaba en el estado Zulia (del cual era gobernador) y me llamaron para que viniera de urgencia a Caracas. Asistí a un evento (la auto proclamación de Carmona como presidente) y firmé mi asistencia', relató. 'Si cometí un error, lo reconozco, pero fue de buena fe. No lo planifiqué, no pasé varios años armando un plan para dar un golpe y causar muertes, a diferencia de Chávez', dijo el candidato, al hacer referencia a la fallida intentona golpista que el actual mandatario dirigió en febrero de 2002 contra el entonces presidente Carlos Andrés Pérez.
- ^"Súmate: there will be no primary elections".El Universal.9 August 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 1 December 2008.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^abKraul, Chris (9 August 2006)."Chavez's Foes Cancel Primary, Line Up Behind One Candidate".Los Angeles Times.Archived fromthe originalon 3 January 2013.Retrieved2 February2010.
- ^"Rosales's candidacy formally announced".El Universal.9 August 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 1 December 2008.Retrieved2 January2010.
- ^Sanchez, Fabiola (9 August 2006)."Rosales opposition choice to face Chavez".The Washington Post.Retrieved2 February2010.
- ^Romero, Simon (12 November 2006)."Venezuelans Square Off Over Race, Oil and a Populist Political Slogan".The New York Times.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^Romero, Simon (1 December 2006)."As Crime Soars for Venezuela, Chávez Coasts".The New York Times.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^"Resultados Electorales"(in Spanish). Consejo Nacional Electoral. 4 December 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 6 December 2006.Retrieved4 December2006.
- ^abJones, Rachel (26 October 2008)."Chavez threatens to imprison opposition governor".USA Today.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^"Anti-Chavez mayor faces corruption charges".The Boston Globe.2 December 2008.Retrieved10 February2010.
- ^abcd"Interpol seeks Chavez foe arrest".BBC. 24 April 2009.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^"Venezuelan opposition leader indicted for corruption".Agence France Presse -- English.LexisNexis. 12 December 2008.
Rosales told reporters the charges stem from a 2004 investigation into his 2002-2004 tenure as Zulia state governor that was closed for lack of evidence, but that was 'suddenly reopened by orders from above,' alluding to Chavez.
- ^abFlores, Andreina; Belaunde, Maria Elena (21 April 2009)."Venezuelan mayor 'seeking asylum' in Peru".CNN.Retrieved1 February2010.
- ^"El líder opositor venezolano pide asilo político en Perú"(in Spanish). NY1 Noticias. 22 April 2009.Retrieved1 February2010.
"El presidente Chávez llega a decir cosas como ésta, 'voy a meter preso a Manuel Rosales lo voy a desaparecer del mapa político venezolano, a ese desgraciado lo meto preso'", dijo Javier Valle Riestra, abogado de Rosales en Perú.
[permanent dead link] - ^abGuillen, Gonzalo (24 September 2009)."Vinculan a Rosales con plan para asesinar a Chávez".El Nuevo Herald(in Spanish). Archived fromthe originalon 18 July 2011.Retrieved8 June2010.
- ^abBenel, Omar (10 March 2009)."Objetivo: matar a Chávez".El Mundo(in Spanish).Retrieved8 June2010.
- ^"Venezuela: Events of 2009".Human Rights Watch.Retrieved31 January2010.
- ^Brice, Arthur (8 December 2009)."Venezuelan protesters end hunger strike over prisoners".CNN.Retrieved31 January2010.
- ^"Human Rights acusa a Chávez de neutralizar al Poder Judicial".El Universal(in Spanish). 21 January 2010.Retrieved1 February2010.
HWR también cuestionó los procedimientos judiciales iniciados contra el ex gobernador del Zulia y ex alcalde de Maracaibo, Manuel Rosales; y contra el ex ministro de la Defensa, Raúl Baudel, por considerarlos una demostración del uso de los tribunales para perseguir a adversarios del Gobierno.
- ^"Manuel Rosales aseguró que regresará a Venezuela el 15 de octubre".El Universal.Retrieved12 October2015.
- ^"Manuel Rosales será aprehendido al momento que llegue al país, dijo Ortega Díaz".Noticias24.Retrieved12 October2015.
- ^"Venezuelan opposition politician Manuel Rosales arrested".BBC News.
- ^"Venezuela politician Rosales arrested".BBC News.16 October 2015.Retrieved9 November2018.
- ^"Venezuela frees opposition's Rosales".BBC News.31 December 2016.Retrieved9 November2018.
- ^Vanessa Buschschlüter (27 March 2024)."Venezuela opposition overcomes hurdles to register candidate".BBC.Retrieved27 March2024.
- ^abcForero, Juan; Vyas, Kejal (26 March 2024)."Venezuela's Strongman Decides Who Will Run Against Him in Presidential Election".The Wall Street Journal.Retrieved28 March2024.
- ^"La CARTA de renuncia de Manuel Rosales como candidato para las presidenciales (Documento)".AlbertoNews(in Spanish). 20 April 2024.Retrieved20 May2020.
- ^"Manuel Antonio Rosales Guerrero"(in Spanish). Atrevete con Manuel Rosales. Archived fromthe originalon 3 September 2006.Retrieved10 February2010.
External links
[edit]- 1952 births
- Candidates for President of Venezuela
- Living people
- Governors of Zulia
- People from Zulia
- Politicians from Zulia
- Political prisoners during the Bolivarian Revolution
- Venezuelan Roman Catholics
- Mayors of places in Venezuela
- Democratic Action (Venezuela) politicians
- Un Nuevo Tiempo politicians
- Exiled Venezuelan politicians
- Venezuelan city councillors
- University of the Andes (Venezuela) alumni
- Venezuelan prisoners and detainees